devcast...

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Episodes

119

Latest episode

Dec 2025

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About the show

Brought to you by deverellsmith, the strategic recruitment consultancy to the property industry - devcast... is an audio series which holds exclusive and thought provoking interviews with innovators, trailblazers, leaders and major players. This is where property meets people.

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60 recent

December 5, 202555 min

How 3 build to rent executives reached the C-Suite | Career journeys in rental living

In this episode of devcast, Hannah Taylor sits down with three influential leaders shaping the rental living sector to explore their remarkable journeys to the C-suite and discuss the biggest challenges facing the industry today. Our guests share candid insights on: Non-linear career paths and taking leaps of faith The importance of curiosity, asking for help, and learning from mistakes Building and inspiring high-performing teams through culture Talent attraction and retention in a sector many haven't heard of Why career progression must be clearly communicated to avoid losing top talent The transferable skills rental living needs from hospitality, PBSA, and facilities management This conversation also teases key findings from our 2026 Rental Living Salary and Trends Report, revealing that 44% of professionals "fell into" the sector without knowing it existed – highlighting both the challenge and opportunity ahead for the industry. Featured Guests: Katherine Russell – Director of Build to Rent, John Lewis Partnership John Kenny – COO, Realstar Morwenna Hall – COO, Related Argent Sign up for the 2026 Rental Living Salary and Trends Report: https://bit.ly/rental-living-salary-guide Connect with deverellsmith: 🌐 Website: www.deverellsmith.com 💼 LinkedIn: /company/deverell-smith-recruitment 📧 Contact: hello@deverellsmith.com This is where property meets people. #RentalLiving #BuildToRent #PropertyRecruitment #CareerDevelopment #RealEstate #devcast #PropertyPodcast #TalentStrategy

December 3, 202512 min

Essential advice for a career in residential development sales

In this episode, Georgia Zambakides, Executive Director at deverellsmith, sits down with Tabitha Allingham to discuss the current state of the new homes and later living recruitment market. They explore why some candidates are moving while others stay put, and what both job seekers and hiring managers need to know in today's cautious market.Connect with deverellsmithWebsite: www.deverellsmith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deverell-smith-recruitment/#NewHomes #PropertyRecruitment #CareerAdvice #ResidentialDevelopment #TalentStrategy #PropertyCareers

November 24, 202539 min

How Ballymore is working to improve London's housing crisis

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Tennant, Managing Director of Development at Ballymore. We discuss his unique career path from a paperboy in Yorkshire to leading major projects across Europe, his candid views on the London property market, and why the current challenges are more complex than the global financial crisis. Steven also shares insights into Ballymore's strategy, the critical issue of housing viability, and how the company is forging ahead with new partnerships and even establishing its own registered provider to deliver much-needed homes.

November 13, 20259 min

Estate agency careers and the Renters Reform Bill

In this episode:✅ Career progression advice for agents✅ Exit plans and equity deals for senior leaders✅ The impact of Renters Reform✅ Why the best talent matters more than everKey Takeaway: Work backwards when considering a career move - understand what you actually want before jumping ship. The COVID boom is over, and it's time to focus on quality operators.This is where property meets people. Connect with deverellsmithWebsite: www.deverellsmith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deverell-smith-recruitment/#PropertyRecruitment #EstateAgency #CareerAdvice #PropertyMarket #RentersReform

October 23, 20257 min

Build, technical, or commercial? The 2025 construction hiring outlook

Trying to choose between build, technical, or commercial? Your career path in construction matters. In this quick update, our specialist recruiters map out the 2025 hiring landscape, revealing which roles are in high demand, the global hotspots for talent, and how to position yourself for success in the coming year. #ConstructionRecruitment #CareerAdvice #BuildYourFuture

October 17, 202534 min

How I became a CFO at 29 to lead the future of sustainable house building

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Rogers, CFO at Greencore, who left a traditional accounting career at PwC to help shape the future of sustainable house building in the UK. She shares her 15-year journey from Telford Homes auditor to CFO/COO, and dives into the challenges of property finance, scaling a business, and building homes that are both green and affordable.

October 14, 202532 min

How RAK Properties is redefining luxury real estate in the UAE

In this episode of devcast, we sit down with Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, to explore how he’s reshaping luxury real estate in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond. From his early days as a civil engineer rebuilding airports to leading one of the UAE’s most dynamic developers, Sameh shares powerful lessons on leadership, brand-building, and the art of excellence.

October 6, 202538 min

Our place, our future: Dominic Richards on designing sustainable places | deverellsmith

What makes a community truly sustainable? Dominic Richards, chair of Our Place, joins Georgia on DevCast to discuss the philosophy behind sustainable placemaking, the failures of the planning system, and how housing can become a catalyst for social good. Discover more about Deverellsmith here: https://www.deverellsmith.com/who-we-are/

October 2, 20257 min

The build-to-rent boom about to transform the UK property market

Build-to-rent currently represents just 2% of UK rental stock. Within three years, that figure is predicted to treble. In this candid discussion, property recruitment specialists Hannah Taylor and Tommy Lambourne explain what's driving the institutional landlord revolution and what it means for careers in rental living. Discover why private landlords are exiting en masse, how hedge funds and pension funds are reshaping the sector, and why this creates unprecedented opportunities for property professionals willing to adapt. For specialist rental living recruitment support: www.deverellsmith.com

September 22, 202544 min

People-first leadership: Managing Director reveals her business philosophy

In this episode of devcast, Ryan Doyle sits down with Polly Ogden Duffy, Managing Director at John D. Wood & Co., to explore her inspiring 20+ year career in estate agency. Polly shares her journey from starting in property at 18, to leading one of London’s most established brands. She opens up about resilience, leadership in a competitive industry, balancing a demanding career with family life, and how personal challenges shaped her approach to work and people.